~Sonny's Penthouse~ Carly: Well, then you have to get me out of that house. There's only one hitch, with Michael.
Edward bursts in, interrupting the conversation before Sonny can reply.
Edward: Get away from that poor woman, you hooligan.
(slaps down the restraining order) Don't you worry Carly, now he can't come within 50 feet of you. Now let's get you home so you and the new, uh, Michael's brother or sister can rest.
Carly looks to Sonny with pleading eyes, and he looks back with concern
Edward: Come on Carly little Michael is waiting.
Carly's look has turned to one of fear
Sonny: I think the lady can decide when she wants to leave-
Edward: (ignoring Sonny's words) Come Carly I wouldn't want Michael to miss his mother.
Carly looks from Edward to Sonny, and puts her hand to her mouth. "I have to use the bathroom," she gasps. She runs up the stairs, leaving both men glaring at each other.
Edward: You see what you've done.
Edward's words fall on deaf ears, Sonny has already bounded up the stairs to make sure Carly's okay.
Sonny: Carly, you all right?
Carly: Yeah, just queasy I guess. (She emerges from the bathroom, her hands on her face)
Sonny: You can't let the old man get to you like that, it's not good for the baby, or you, for you to worry yourself sick.
Carly: Now you see why I need to get out of there. Huh, Edward's the Quartermaine that's trying to be supportive.
Sonny: Look, I'll try to do whatever I can to get you and the kids out of there, but in the mean time, you've got to relax.
"I'm trying, and Sonny, thanks" she replies as he leads her back downstairs with a knowing look. When they get there, Edward is chewing someone out over the phone.
Edward: (after wrapping up his conversation) Well, my dear I do hope this scoundrel hasn't upset you.
Carly: It was just morning sickness Edward.
Edward: Yes, well, come along then, as for you, if you come near this woman, you'll be hearing from my attorneys. (He leads Carly out, while she turns back to look at Sonny)

~Q Mansion

Edward: Now, my dear, you just go up and rest, you've had enough exhaustion for one day.
Carly checks in on Michael, and then falls fast asleep. She is jolted awake by the sound of someone smashing things.
Carly: AJ? What are ya, what are you doing?
AJ: (his voice increasing in volume with each sentence) I'm making your room look how you've made me feel. You could have had it all Carly, the money, the power, even the respect. We could have been a family, but you had to go and take it away from me.
"AJ, your drunk," she said as he approached.
"What's the matter, that not good enough for you anymore?" he said grabbing her hand.
"AJ, you're hurting me," she replied trying to get away from him.
"Aww, how does it feel?" he asked picking up a shard of the glass of a frame he had just broken. He held it to the tiny protrudence of her belly. "Maybe I should end you and your bastard child right now. Nobody'd have to know. I could make it seem like you just ran off to be with Jason. Then I'd be able to find a real family for my son."
"Please don't hurt my baby," Carly pleaded in a quavering voice.
"Michael is my son," he growled, then realizing she meant the baby growing inside her, he tightened his grip around her hands. Just as she was being overwhelmed by fear, he let her go. "You're nothing, but a damn whore Carly, and I am not going to let you raise my son," and with that he kissed her hard, and with one move threw down her hands, and sent her hurtling off the bed, and left.
Carly was overcome with relief, but couldn't keep from crying. She drew her knees up to her chin, and let the tears fall.

~The Next Day

A distraught Carly is on the phone with a concerned Bobby.
Carly: Mama, I really need to see you.
Bobbie: Carly honey what's wrong?
Carly: Please Mama.
Bobbie: All right, I'll meet you at Kelly's in about in hour.
Carly: Thanks.
Carly tried to cover up the wound on her head with makeup, then slipped out, and made her way to Kelly's. Bobby was called in to assist with an emergency surgery, and so left a message for Carly with Elizabeth.
Carly was just about to enter Kelly's when she was accosted from behind. She tried to fight back, but was quickly carried to an alley on the side of the restaurant.
Sorrel's Thug: Well, aren't you a hot mama. Now, you listen, and you listen good. You tell Mr. Corinthos that the boss ain't gonna take anymore crap from the harbormaster.
"Why should I?" she spat back, trying to struggle free.
Thug: (to his partner who's holding Carly) Maybe we should show the lovely Ms. Quartermaine what happens to people that are uncooperative. My knife please, Tim.
Tim moved one of his hands on to Carly's mouth, while his partner removed her coat and began stroking her arm. Thug: Such pretty skin. At least Corinthos's taste in women has improved. I think I'll mark you with a heart, so you'll always be reminded of how much I love you, and how important cooperation is in a relationship like ours.
He grabbed her wrists, and she flinched in pain for they were already bruised by AJ. He began to slowly carve an awkward heart in her arm. Just as he was finishing, his partner's phone rang.
Jim: Yeah, we're on our way. Come on, we gotta go.
"You will deliver our message won't you doll."
They left, and Carly stumbled to get inside Kelly's. She leaned hard on one of the outside tables, blood streaking down her arm and the side of her cold body.

Part Two

Sonny had been on his way to check on Elizabeth when he saw Carly leaning on the table, without a jacket.
Sonny: Carly, what'd I tell you about being out in the cold, without a-
Then he noticed the blood, and that Carly had passed out. He opened the door to Kelly's and yelled for somebody to call 911. Then he took off his coat and scooped her up in it.
He took her inside. Liz and Tammy came running to Sonny, asking what had happened, but Sonny didn't notice them or anyone else. He just clutched and stared at Carly with fear in his eyes. He couldn't lose another unborn child. The paramedics had arrived and took her from his arms.
Paramedic: What happened?
"I don't know," Sonny replied rubbing his face, and then clasping his hands together.
In the ambulance, Carly awoke for a moment, looked at Sonny, and whispered, "I'm sorry."
There was so much Sonny wanted to say, but his only reply was "Shhh."
~At GH

Sonny held her hand the whole way and couldn't believe the bruises on her wrists, the gash on her arm, or that on her head. He kept wondering what had happened.
He knew he should have put protection on her. He had failed her and their child. When they arrived at GH, he was told he had to wait in the emergency lounge while they bandaged her up. He immediately paged Bobby, who was still in surgery. A nurse came out and said he could go in. He asked how she was, and the nurse said fine.
He asked how the baby was, and the nurse said "She's pregnant?" and he had to wait outside while they "ran some tests."
Bobby arrived after getting his message and asked what had happened. To which an obviously distraught Sonny replied, "I have no idea. My baby could be dead, and I have no idea what happened."
Bobby: Whoa slow down, and tell me what you do know.
Sonny: I was on my way to check on Elizabeth at Kelly's you know, and I saw Carly leaning on a table outside without a coat. So I started telling her that she needed one, when I saw she was slumped down unconscious and there was blood pouring out her arm.
"Always blood, always woman's blood" he began murmuring, almost incoherently, as he stared off into space
Bobby: Sonny, Sonny you have got to pull yourself together.
Sonny just looked at her. The nurse came back, and he jumped up. "How's the baby?"
Nurse: You're a lucky man, sir. Both baby and mother will be just fine.
Bobby: Thank God. Can we see her now?
Nurse: Sure, she should be waking up any minute now.
As soon as he heard her say they could go in, Sonny walked right past her to where they had taken Carly. He stood by her side and held her hand. She awoke, still a bit disoriented.
Carly: Where am I?
Bobby: You're at GH honey. Carly, what happened?
The only reply Carly offered were tears and a constant murmuring of "I'm sorry."
She would not take her gaze off Sonny nor would he take his off her. They both stared at each other, while thinking just how sorry they were.
Bobby: What are you sorry about Carly?
Carly: The baby, I let them hurt my baby.
Bobby: Honey, the baby's gonna be just fine. (She stroked Carly's hair as Carly breathed a sigh of relief) Now, will you tell us what happened?
Carly: Can I please talk to Sonny alone for a minute Mama?
Bobby didn't want to leave her daughter's side, but couldn't refuse her request, and so complied.
Bobby: Sure, but I'll be right outside, okay?
Carly nodded in response.
Sonny: Who did this to you? Your head, your wrists, your arm, what happened?
Carly began to tell him what had happened, crying the whole time.
Carly: Well, yesterday I went home and slept. I tried to relax, you know like you said, and in the middle of the night AJ came in, stinking drunk. He threatened to kill our baby-
Sonny: The bastard.
Carly: He didn't do anything though. He just grabbed my wrists, and threw me off the bed. I hit my head on a piece of glass on the ground.
Sonny squeezed her hand. She was both crying and shaking now.
Sonny: That's not nothing Carly, but what about your arm.
Carly: I was going to meet Bobby at Kelly's to talk about last night. I was about to go in when these two guys grabbed me.
Sonny: Who were they?
Carly: I don't know. They wanted me to give you a message.
Sonny: Damn it. I knew I should have had you under protection. What'd they say?
Carly: I don't know. It was something like their boss didn't, he wasn't gonna take crap from the harbormaster. Yeah, that's it.
Sonny: God, Carly. I'm sorry. I should have seen it coming.
Carly: Sonny. Hey, Sonny this is not your fault.
She saw the same look in his eyes that had been their that July night, and she did not want him breaking down on her.
Carly: Is the baby really okay?
Sonny: Yeah, they said the baby'll be just fine-
Carly: I'm sorry, I was really trying you know. I guess I'm just a failure at protecting my kids.
Sonny: Hey, don't say that. I'm the one that screwed up here not you. From now on Johnny'll be watching you. Don't worry he knows how to be discreet so the Q's won't notice him, but if AJ or anyone else tries to lay a hand on you...

~Outside the Room

Nurse: Bobby
Bobby: Hmm.
Nurse: Your daughter's free to go whenever she's ready.
Bobby: Thanks Jill.
Nurse: No problem.
~Back Inside

Bobby: I'm sorry to interrupt, but I thought you'd like to know you can leave now.
Carly: Thanks Mama.
Bobby: I have my car with me, so whenever you're ready.
Sonny: Actually Bobby, I'll take her if that's all right. We've still got some things to discuss.
Bobby: Oh, okay. You call me as soon as you get in, and I'll be by to visit, okay?
Carly: Sure Mama. (Bobby exits)
Sonny: Come on, I'll take you home.
Carly: Boy, am I gonna have some explaining to do when I get in, although it's possible that no one'll even notice-
Sonny: I can't let you go back to the Quartermaine's, Carly. Not after what AJ did to you. You're coming home with me.
Carly: Sonny, don't fight me on this, please. I have to go, I can't leave Michael, you know that.
Sonny: All right, I don't want to argue, but we pick Johnny up on the way.
Carly: Okay. Let's get out of here, I need to see Michael.
Carly begins to struggle out of the flat bed, but not for long. Sonny quickly, but gently helps her out.
Carly smiles, "Thanks. You wouldn't happen to know where my coat is, would you? I wouldn't want to be caught outside without it."
Sonny: You didn't have it when I found you. Here take mine.
He gingerly placed his coat around her shoulders, but she still flinched with pain. Her whole body ached. Sonny noticed the tiny movement. "I'm sorry," he said.
Carly: It's okay. I, um, we'll be fine.
Sonny: I'm gonna get you and Michael out of that house, as soon as I can.
"Sonny," she said very quietly. He looked at her with nothing but raw concern in his eyes. "Thanks."
Sonny: Come on Johnny's waiting.
Sonny supported her all the way to the car, and then helped her in. It was only a short ride back to the Quartermaine mansion, but Carly was so exhausted she fell asleep almost immediately. Sonny told the driver to continue to drive around. He knew she didn't rest properly in the big house, and needed to give her and himself this time of peace. He just watched her, and thanked God that she and the baby were okay. He marveled at her strength, and knew what Jason had meant when he said that she was really brave.

~A few hours later

Carly began to stir. She looked disoriented at first, and then remembered where she was. Every part of her body ached. Sonny noticed this at once.
Sonny: Hey, take it easy now. You okay?
"Yeah, how long have we been driving around?" she asked with a hint of anger in her voice.
Sonny: A few hours, I didn't want to wake you. Besides you need your rest and I wanted to see for myself that you were getting it.
Carly: Damn it Sonny. You can't keep doing this.
Sonny: Doing what, making sure my kids okay.
Carly: You can't keep choosing this baby over Michael. I told you I needed to get home to him, there's no telling what damage AJ's done.
Sonny: Don't worry. I spoke to Latecia, she said Michael was fine. Now, when was the last time you ate?
Carly: I guess it was yesterday, at your place. Not that it matters, I haven't been able to keep anything down in a while.
Sonny: You've gotta try Carly.
Carly: I know. Look I'm trying to take care of myself. It's just hard you know, and now-
Carly took her head in her hands.
Sonny: Hey, hey, listen, I'm gonna have my attorney look at that restraining order of Edward's, and I'll probably be able to come see you tomorrow, but until it's safe for me to look out for you personally, I'm gonna have Johnny here make sure you rest and eat. You got that Johnny.
Johnny: Sure sir, no problem.
Sonny lifted Carly's face up. "Hey, I'll take care of everything. Don't worry. I'm gonna get you and Michael out of there. Now, I put my cell phone number in your pocket. I want you to use it at least once a day. Johnny I want you to remind her about that too."
Johnny: No problem, sir.
"Johnny has a phone for you. I don't want the Quartermaine's to be able to say I'm harassing you, so if I need to get in touch with you, make sure you're okay or something, I'll call you on there. I'm gonna give that number to Bobby too, just in case. Now, is there anything else you need?"
Carly: Wow, you've really thought of everything haven't you?
Sonny: We're gonna get through this, you hear me?
Carly: Yeah, and Sonny, thanks.
Sonny: Would you stop saying that. I'll talk to you soon, okay. He held Johnny back for a moment, "Johnny take good care of Ms. Quartermaine."
Johnny: Don't worry, I will sir.

~Q Mansion

Carly was thankful, that no one seemed to notice her arrival. That meant less explanations. She immediately went up to Michael's nursery. She found it odd that he was unsupervised, but was thankful to be alone with him. She just stood next to his crib, and stroked his hair, even though it pained her to stand. He laughed and started eating his train, he was happy to see her. She wished she could hold him at that very moment. The whole world could turn its back on her, but her little boy would still be happy to see her.
Carly: Well, how are you Mr. Man? You're Mama's big strong boy, aren't you?
Emily entered carrying a bottle for Michael.
Emily: I hadn't realized you were home.
Carly: I just got in.
"Isn't that Sonny's c-" Emily stopped herself remembering what she and Liz had decided. "Are you okay?" she asked noticing the gash on Carly's head, and the edge of the wrap that peeked through the sleeve of Sonny's coat.
Carly: Yeah, I just- fell.
Emily: Reginald said Bobby called for you a bunch of times.
Carly: Oh, um, thanks. Let me know if you need any help giving Michael his bottle.
Emily was surprised, she had never seen Carly look so scared before, she seemed to be in obvious pain. "Oh, well" Emily figured "I guess we all get what we deserve."
She couldn't worry about Carly now, Juan was picking her up soon. She hoped the baby was okay though.

~On the Phone

Bobby: Hello.
Carly: Mama.
Bobby: Carly, honey where have you been. I've been worried sick. It does not take four hours to go from GH the Quartermaine's.
Carly: I fell asleep on the way here, and Sonny didn't want to wake me, so I guess we just drove around.
Bobby: I don't want to pry, but you still didn't tell me what happened.
Carly: Look Mama, you don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine. Michael and I will probably be leaving here soon, though.
Bobby: AJ did that to you?
Carly: Well, some of it.
Bobby: Honey, let me come and get you-
Carly: No mama, that won't solve anything. Look I'm really tired right now, so I'll talk to you tomorrow okay.
Bobby: Good night sweety. Send Michael my love.
Carly: I will, okay. Buh bye mama.
Carly hung up, and made her way back upstairs. When she entered her room, she was disgusted by the disarray it was in. She attempted to clean some of it up, but her back was still soar, and her arm really hurt, so she changed her clothes and laid down. She was really exhausted. She was just about to drift off when her phone rang.
Carly: Hello.
Sonny: Hey, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Carly: Yeah, I'm fine, just tired. It's been a long day, you know.
Sonny: Yeah, I know. Did you eat?
Carly: No, I wasn't really hungry.
Sonny: You've gotta eat something Carly.
Carly: All right, all right. God, you're persistent.
Sonny: Like you wouldn't believe. You need anything.
Carly: No, I'm fine, really. Good night.
Sonny: All right. Give the phone to Johnny for a minute.
Carly: I don't think he's here.
Sonny: Just call his name.
"Johnny," she called to the seemingly empty room, and sure enough he appeared from a corner she didn't even know existed. "Sonny wants to talk to you."
Johnny: Boss.
Sonny: Ms. Quartermaine needs to eat something. She probably won't eat what you bring her, but I want you to try anyway.
Johnny: Anything else.
Sonny: Bring her a glass of milk, and make sure she drinks it, and Johnny, take care of her.
Johnny: I will, I will.
Johnny handed Carly the phone, and a few minutes later arrived with a plate of food and a glass of milk. Carly was sleeping so he gently shook her awake.
Johnny: You've got to eat something.
Carly: I'm not hungry, if you just leave it on the side, I'll have some later.
Johnny: All right, but you've got to have this milk right now, boss's orders.
Carly: Orders eh? He thinks he can control my life.
Johnny: Come on Carly you've got to have something.
Carly: You're sweet you know that Johnny. All right, I'll have the milk. She finished the glass of milk and even ate a bit of the food. She still couldn't believe that.
Johnny had sneaked past Cooke. She ate, but was so exhausted that it didn't really matter, all she wanted was sleep.
She fell asleep almost immediately, but was once again awakened by the entrance of a drunken AJ.

Part Three

AJ: Look at my darling wife, sleeping so peacefully.
(He picked up a piece of glass, and flung it at her foot.) God, Carly. You could have cleaned up in here, I hate a messy room. Don't worry you'll have time to clean later.
"Right now you've got more important things to attend to," he says as he approaches the bed. He then pushes her down and saddles himself on top of her. She squirms and gasps in pain.
Carly: What are you doing?
AJ: I'm just having sex with my wonderful wife.
Carly: AJ please, no.
AJ: What's the matter Carly? Port Charles's best little slut isn't in the mood. Well guess what? I don't care. I'm tired of being second best. Come on let's go.
(He says this last line as he tears open her delicate top. Carly shut her eyes, fearful of the pain, when it suddenly disappears. For a moment, she thought she had passed out, but then saw that Johnny had taken AJ outside.
She got up and went to the bathroom. She threw up whatever she had forced herself to eat, and wept while Johnny stood in the darkness of the bedroom and called Sonny.

~Phone Call

Sonny: What?
Johnny: Boss, it's Johnny.
Sonny: What's wrong? Is Carly okay?
Johnny: I think so.
Sonny: What happened?
Johnny: AJ came in and tried to-- I had to remove him.
Sonny: Where's Carly?
Johnny: In the bathroom. I didn't know what to do for her.
Sonny: You did good Johnny. I'm gonna stay on the line. I want you to give her the phone when she comes out.
There's a brief pause in which Johnny turns on the light, and Carly emerges, crying inconsolably.
Johnny: Here she is.
She takes the phone from Johnny and collapses in a chair.
"Hello," she says in a quavering voice.
Sonny: Hey, you okay?
Carly: Don't worry the baby's fine.
Sonny: You didn't answer my question Carly.
(There's a brief pause in which Sonny waits for a nonexistent response, which is really all the response he needs.)
Sonny: Look, I'm gonna come get you, okay.
Carly: No, I can't leave my baby.
Sonny: I know. I want you to get Michael, and wait for me. You can't spend another minute in that house.
Carly: If I leave now they'll-
Sonny: And if you stay. I'm on my way. Carly, you're gonna get through this.
She just nodded, tears still falling.
Sonny: I need you to give the phone back to Johnny, and get ready to go.
She turned slowly and stretched the phone out toward Johnny. He took it from her, and she rose to get Michael.
Sonny: Johnny, I want you to get them outta there. Now, I'm on my way. I want you to wait inside with her until you see the car. I don't want her out in the cold.
Johnny: Yes boss.
Johnny picks up the coat and phone, and Carly appears with a bundled up Michael. He noted immediately that she was straining to carry the boy, and so offered to carry him. Carly shook her head and clutched Michael more tightly. Johnny placed the coat around her shoulders and followed behind her as she made her way down the stairs.
She stopped at the bottom of the staircase and stared at the closed living room doors.
There was light peaking through them, and she knew that meant AJ was inside. Johnny broke her gaze. "Come on Carly, we should get going, I can see the car." They walked toward the car, and when they reached it, Sonny came out. He tried to take Michael from her, but she wouldn't let him. He helped her in the car, as she allowed herself to be guided. Her tear-filled eyes stared blankly at nothing in particular. The sound of the engine took he rout of her trance, and she looked to Sonny.
Carly: Where are we going?
Sonny was relieved to see her aware of her surroundings.
Sonny: I was about to call my lawyer. You've got to report this.
Carly: No please, not now. I can't.
The tears in her eyes and desperation in her voice were too much for him; too much like Adela. At that moment, he couldn't have refused any request she made of him.
Sonny: All right, we'll take care of that tomorrow. I thought I'd take you home with me. If that's all right with you. Is it?
"Yeah, sure, whatever," she said getting lost in her thoughts. She didn't really notice when they arrived, or when he led her inside. She was focused on the sleeping babe in her arms.
Sonny just stared at her wondering what the hell had happened. He wanted to ask, but didn't want to disturb her. She would tell him when she was ready. She sat on the couch trembling from both fear and pain.
Sonny: Carly, Carly (a bit louder the second time) Do you want to put Michael to bed? He'll be more comfortable.
Carly: Yeah, he should sleep.
Sonny: So should you.
Carly: (not hearing Sonny's last words) Where should I put him?
Sonny: You guys take the master bedroom.
He led her upstairs, and Carly placed Michael on the bed. She was too scared to even think about the memories the room held Her body heaved from the release of tension. She sat on a chair by the bed, knees drawn up under her chin, and watched Michael. Sonny watched her, and felt the guilt of what he felt he had done to her creep into his soul. Because of him, she was too scared to sleep. Because of him, they might lose their baby. He felt what he always felt at times like this, anything bad was his fault. He remembered all the horrible things he had said to her while she was pregnant, and before with remorse. His eyes were beginning to darken with self-disgust when he noticed that she had fallen asleep, and was shivering, even with his coat on. He went to wake her, but couldn't bring himself to do it, and so carried her to the bed instead. She awoke, startled by his touch, but he gently shushed her back to sleep, and told her he was putting her in bed so she could rest better. She just melted into his arms from exhaustion and relief. He brought her a blanket, and placed it on top of her. He took her chair and just watched them and thought.

~A Few Hours Later

Sonny was just beginning to drift off into sleep, when Carly's voice awoke him from his state of half-sleep.
Carly: No, noo, not my babies. No...
He ran to her and gently woke her.
Sonny: Carly, Carly wake up.
She soon awoke and began sobbing.
Carly: He can't take my babies. Don't let him take my babies.
Sonny: Who, AJ? Don't worry about him.
Carly didn't seem to notice what he said, or even who he was. He sat down on the bed facing her and she pounded his chest.
Carly: He was supposed to be gone. Mama said he died! so, why does he have to take away my babies?-- Wasn't I enough?
She collapsed into him, sobbing, and all he wanted to do was hold her and protect her. For the baby's sake, for her sake; for his own sake.